1. Nanoparticles : synthesis, characterization, and applications / Anu Tresa Sunny and Sabu Thomas -- 2. Processing of polymer nanocomposites : new developments and challenges / Sophie Peeterbroeck, Michael Alexandre, and Philippe Dubois -- 3. In-situ generation of polyolefin nanocomposites / Walter Kaminsky, Andreas Funck, and Katrin Scharlach -- 4. Epoxy-based nanocomposites / Loic Le Pluart -- 5. Nanocomposites based on poly(vinyl chloride) / Baris Yalcin and Miko Cakmak -- 6. Nanocomposites based on POSS / Shiao-Wei Kuo, Chih-Feng Huang, and Feng-Chih Chang -- 7. Carbon nanotubes-reinforced thermoplastic nanocomposites / Rani Joseph1 and Anoop Anand -- 8. Specialty rubber nanocomposites / Robert A. Shanks and Rengarajan Balaji -- 9. Polyester nanocomposite / Seungsoon Im and Wanduk Lee -- 10. Polymer nanocomposites based on ionomers / Suzana Pereira Nunes, Dominique de Figueiredo Gomes, and Mariela Leticia Ponce -- 11. Nanocomposites characterization by microscopy / Rameshwar Adhikari, and Goerg H. Michler -- 12. Characterization of polymer nanocomposites by free-volume measurements / C. Ranganathaiah -- 13. Thermal characterization of nanocomposites / Robert A. Shanks -- 14. Wear, fatigue, creep, and stress-relaxation behavior of polymer nanocomposites / Chong-gui Li and You Wang -- 15. Thermal degradation and combustion behavior of the polyethylene/clay nanocomposite prepared by melt intercalation / S.M. Lomakin, I.L. Dubnikova, and A.N. Shchegolikhin -- 16. Image analysis of pore size distribution in electrospun nanofiber webs : new trends and developments / M. Ziabari, V. Mottaghitalab, and A.K. Haghi.